10 Ways to Make Your Home More Natural and Toxin-Free in 2025

Want to create a home that's not only stylish and comfy, but also good for you and the planet? It's easier than you might think! At ecojiko, we're passionate about helping you make simple swaps and changes that have a big impact. Here are 10 ways to make your home more natural and toxin-free in 2025:

1. Clean Green

Let's start with the basics – cleaning! Conventional cleaning products are often loaded with harsh chemicals like phthalates, ammonia, and chlorine bleach, which can affect your health and pollute the environment. But fear not, there are amazing natural alternatives that work just as well (if not better!).

• Ditch the Nasties: Look for products that are plant-based, biodegradable, and free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. Check the label for certifications like Ecocert or Soil Association. We love using Lavender and Lemon products around the home as they’re toxin-free and smell divine!
• Embrace the Power of Nature: Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can work wonders! 
• Laundry Love: Switch to eco-friendly laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Look for those that are free from phosphates and optical brighteners. 
• Sustainable Cleaning Tools: Opt for reusable cloths, natural fibre brushes, and compostable sponges. Our Cleaning Gift Set is a great place to start, complete with a dish brush, bottle brush, and pot scrubbers. We have various other eco cleaning tools, such as sponge scourers, swedish dish cloths, and don't forget our Coconut Scourers for tackling those stubborn messes!

2. Breathe Easy

Indoor air quality is so important! Common pollutants like dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Here's how to keep your air fresh and clean:

• Green Air Purifiers: Bring the outdoors in with houseplants! Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. They naturally filter the air and add a touch of life to your space.
• Natural Scents: Ditch synthetic air fresheners and opt for essential oil diffusers or natural candles made with beeswax or soy wax. You can even simmer a pot of water with citrus peels and spices for a lovely natural aroma.
• Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate: Open windows regularly to let fresh air circulate, especially after cleaning or cooking. Consider installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne particles.

3. Water Wise

Saving water is good for the planet and your wallet! Here are a few simple ways to reduce your water footprint:

• Flow-tastic: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. You can also add aerators to your existing faucets to reduce water flow.
• Mindful Cleaning: Be conscious of how much water you use while cleaning. Our Swedish Dishcloths are super absorbent and can help you cut down on paper towel use. Just like our other cleaning cloths, they can be washed and reused many times, then composted at the end of their life.
• Filter It: Invest in a water filter to remove impurities and improve the taste of your drinking water. Consider a whole-house filter or a filter pitcher for your refrigerator.
• Garden Goodness: Collect rainwater in a rain barrel to water your plants.

4. Shop Smart

Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Here's how to shop with intention:

• Sustainable & Ethical: Choose products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. Look for Fair Trade or B Corp certifications to ensure ethical production for larger companies. 
• Plastic-Free Paradise: Say no to single-use plastics! Bring your own bags, use reusable containers such as our Stainless Steel Lunch Box, and opt for products with minimal packaging. 
• Less is More: Before you buy something new, ask yourself if you really need it. Can you borrow it, buy it secondhand, or repair something you already own?
• Support Eco-Conscious Brands: Choose companies that align with your values. (We're happy to be one of them!)

5. Natural Nests

Create a cosy and healthy home by choosing natural materials for your furniture, décor, and textiles:

• Fabric Fantastic: Opt for organic cotton, bamboo, wool, and other natural fibers for your bedding, towels, and clothing. These materials are breathable, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals.
• Say No to Synthetics: Avoid synthetic fabrics and materials treated with flame retardants or stain-resistant finishes, as these can release harmful chemicals.
• Sustainable Furniture: Look for furniture made from reclaimed wood or sustainably sourced materials like bamboo. Consider buying secondhand furniture to reduce waste.
• Non-Toxic Finishes: Choose paints and finishes that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Look for labels that say "low VOC" or "zero VOC."

6. Green Thumbs Up

Whether you have a sprawling garden or a tiny balcony, you can create a natural haven for yourself and local wildlife:

• Organic Gardening: Say no to pesticides and herbicides! There are plenty of natural ways to keep your plants healthy, like companion planting, using beneficial insects, and making your own compost tea.
• Compost Champ: Start composting your food scraps and yard waste. It's a fantastic way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Bee-utiful Blooms: Plant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract bees and butterflies. Choose native plants whenever possible.
• Wildlife Welcome: Provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife by installing bird feeders, birdhouses, and creating a water source.

7. Nourishing Noms

What you eat affects your health and the environment. Here's how to make mindful choices in the kitchen:

• Eat the Rainbow: Fill your plate with organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose seasonal produce whenever possible.
• Local is Lovely: Support local farmers markets and reduce your food miles.
• Process Less: Cut back on ultra-processed foods and cook more meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients.
• Safe Storage: Store your food in glass containers or reusable silicone bags to avoid harmful chemicals leaching from plastic. Check out our Bamboo Storage containers for a safe and sustainable option to store food or why not opt for our natural salt and spice pots.
• Cookware Choices: Opt for non-toxic cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Avoid non-stick cookware that may contain harmful chemicals like PFOA. Our sustainable wooden cheeseboard, wooden salad servers and our wooden cutlery perfect for at home or on the go!

We follow Nutritionist Suzee Tylee for healthy dinner and nourishing snack ideas!

8. Pamper Yourself Naturally

Your skin is your largest organ, so it's important to choose personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals:

• Ingredient Inspector: Read labels carefully and avoid products with parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Look for products with natural ingredients and certifications like organic or cruelty-free.
• DIY Beauty: Experiment with making your own natural beauty products using ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
• Eco-Friendly Brands: Choose brands that prioritise natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Look for products with minimal packaging and refillable options.

9. DIY & Upcycling

Get creative and reduce waste by embracing DIY projects and upcycling:

• Give It New Life: Turn old clothes into cleaning rags, jars into storage containers, and pallets into furniture. Get inspired by online tutorials and upcycling communities.
• Natural Cleaners: Make your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. You can find many recipes online for all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, and even laundry detergent.
• Repair, Don't Replace: Fix broken items instead of throwing them away. Learn basic sewing skills to mend clothes, or find a local repair shop for electronics and appliances.
• Resourceful Reuse: Find creative ways to reuse materials and give them a second life. Turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags, or use glass jars to store dry goods.

10. Mindset Matters

Creating a natural and toxin-free home is an ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your successes, and remember that every small change makes a difference.

• Start Small: You don't have to do everything at once! Start with one or two changes and gradually build from there. Perhaps start by switching to natural cleaning products or reducing your plastic consumption.
• Find the Joy: Embrace a simpler lifestyle and find joy in connecting with nature. Spend time outdoors, grow your own food, or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
• Community Support: Connect with others who share your passion for sustainable living. Share tips, ideas, and encouragement. Join online communities or local groups to learn from others and stay motivated.

At ecojiko, we're here to support you on your journey to a more natural and toxin-free home. Browse our website to discover a wide range of eco-friendly products and cleaning tools that will help you create a healthy and sustainable home for you and your family.